Lukashenko and Putin held talks in Moscow

The Heads of State discussed topical issues of further development of Russian-Belarusian relations of strategic cooperation and alliance with a focus on integration cooperation within the framework of the Union State.

‘As for our relations, the most important conclusion, as I believe, is that the West set plans to strangle us, primarily in the economy, finances - it didn't work out. They have already recognised it themselves,’ said Alexander Lukashenko.

‘You have correctly noted - we staked after the collapse of the Soviet Union on preserving and developing what we had. It has come in handy. Today we are working together in many areas, producing goods. They are mostly in demand in the Russian Federation. Russia needs the goods that we produce. From agriculture to microelectronics. You have said it right,’ Alexander Lukashenko said.

He reminded that even earlier the parties had agreed to strengthen co-operation for the future on many issues. ‘What we are doing today,’ remarked the Head of State.

The President supported his Russian colleague's thesis that the world is changing at a furious pace. In this regard, both new threats and new opportunities are emerging. ‘Naturally, there are issues that need to be addressed. And no matter how many times we meet with you, half of our conversations are always about domestic affairs: the welfare of Belarusians, Russians. And security issues,’ said Alexander Lukashenko. - I believe that we don't have many questions at all. Two or three questions that we will discuss with you today. And we need to put the dots over the i's in these questions and move forward in our relationship.

‘Yesterday and the day before, we had the opportunity to discuss issues of a global nature. Hot spots on our planet. What pleased me, and I am sure you too, is that we did not have any differences on the international agenda. We discussed internal questions and had a frank conversation without any offence,’ said the Belarusian leader.

‘You spoke a lot about the Azerbaijani-Armenian settlement. All of this was received normally, to my surprise. This shows that a lot of work has already been done before. Yesterday we discussed global and regional questions. There was also unanimity in many respects,’ Alexander Lukashenko added.

The President emphasised that the CIS comprises the most powerful and resource-rich states. ‘Therefore, it can be a powerful and effective regional association if we make significant efforts,’ he said confidently.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his turn: ‘Now there is an opportunity to talk about the development of our bilateral relations, the construction of the Union State. We often meet with you, the dynamics is significant. Trade and economic ties are developing in the best possible way, at a good pace’.

According to the Russian side, the trade turnover between the countries amounts to $46.5 billion. Belarus and Russia continue to develop cooperation in agriculture, industrial cooperation, including in microelectronics.

‘And now opportunities are opening up (we have also talked about it many times) in the field of aircraft construction,’ said Vladimir Putin. - Since the Soviet times Belarus has been called an assembly shop of the Soviet Union. Thanks to your efforts, these advantages in the field of economy and industrial production have been preserved in Belarus. Therefore, we have an opportunity to supplement each other and move in all these and some other areas.